4S Villas - Villa Sea

What You Get

Villa Sea is convenient, compact and charmingly chic. With its own private swimming pool and discreet housekeeping and butler service, this 2-bedroom, self-catering, azure blue sea-themed holiday pad is situated in a small villa enclave at the heart of hip and happening Seminyak, just a short walk from the beach.

Our review

Overall Rating:

7.4

Reviewed:

05-Mar-2012

“A small contemporary style icon in the heart of buzzing Seminyak.”

Cosy, central and very, very private are the three adjectives we’d use to describe Villa Sea. For one couple, two couples or a family of four this represents great value for money considering the location. You literally cannot get any more central than this. It’s compact, sure, but it’s a perfectly formed sun trap that can’t fail to win you with its charm.

The kitchenette is good for preparing the occasional simple meal and the Casa Gourmet supermarket next door makes this option easy and attractive. After watching the sunset from the beach we had an evening in for a change and enjoyed a good pasta and a bottle of red by the pool. The beckoning restaurants will probably win most of the time, however, and you'll be spoiled for choice with the numbers of fine establishments within walking distance.

Individual Scores:

Character/Charm:

8

Location:

9

Outside Area:

6

Living Area:

7

Bedrooms:

8

Bathrooms:

8

Kitchen:

6

Facilities:

7

Staff:

7

Value:

8

Highlights

For the price, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere more centrally located and stylish than Villa Sea. Although the villa is on the small side, its charming design and décor will have you making a repeat booking before you even leave.

Surprises

Watch out for the glass coffee table in the living room – we both managed to bang into it over the course of the evening! Although there is a butler on hand all day, he remains in the staff area until summoned and there’s no phone or buzzer to contact him when you run out of ice. Still, the privacy that this affords far outweighs the inconvenience of a long walk to a hotel front desk.

PROs

Wickedly private

Lusciously chic

Gentle on the wallet

Fab location

A stone’s throw from Bali’s best restaurants

CONs

Self catering

A tad cosy for four

Needs internal phone/buzzer system

The Experience

Why do people come to Bali? There are plenty of good reasons, but one of the main attractions is the sea. Situated in the heart of Seminyak, a short stroll from the beach, the two-bedroom Villa Sea celebrates its name with a cheery décor evocative of the seaside. Here, injections of aquamarine and sea blues, along with mother-of-pearl-framed mirrors and splashes of panache, bring the sea to your door. Lime-washed furnishings, a panel-clad roof and white painted weatherboard-style cabinets are complemented by wave-coloured capiz shell chandeliers that clink in the breeze, deep turquoise and white walls, and ocean-hued mosaic tiles. Not forgetting the azure and aqua organza curtains that drape lazily down the windows with cushions to match. This quaint marine theme even extends into the white rope-and-shell tiebacks, stripey fabrics, white wicker chairs and a small army of 20 turtles that swim across one of the walls riding a current to nowhere. Even the pool is blue! Yes, Villa Sea is a stunning example of a small, simple house that has been transformed into a contemporary style icon.

Staffed with a housekeeper and butler, yet incredibly private, Villa Sea is essentially self-catering, but does include daily breakfast prepared by the butler. A chef can be hired at extra cost if required and gourmet meals can be ordered for delivery from the villa catering company, Bali Epicure, but with Bali’s very best international restaurants literally on the doorstep, you’ll probably be tempted to eat out. The villa also offers guest membership at Bali’s premier sports and leisure centre – The Canggu Club.

Villa Sea is one of four villas in a secure hidden enclave known as 4S@Seminyak Square. Sea, Sand, Sun and Sky's colour schemes and décor perfectly match their names. Singly the villas are great for up to four adults or a small family, while for larger groups the whole complex will soon be available for rental, giving everyone their own ‘S’ element of nature all to themselves.

Location

Bali villas don’t get much more central than this. Casa Gourmet, one of Bali’s premium supermarkets, is 100m away in the small Seminyak Square shopping mall. Here you will also find a few cafés and coffee shops along with branded clothing chains and a newsagent. Step out into the street and Seminyak’s high-end fashion and restaurant fantasy land awaits; you will be spoiled for choice with so many of the world’s cuisines at your doorstep. The street is also home to more than enough boutiques to appeal to all ages and genders, a couple of convenience stores and several ATMs. Within 500m you will find The Oberoi Hotel, Ku Dé Ta restaurant & beach club, and perhaps, most importantly, the northern section of the sweeping Seminyak Beach.

About Seminyak
A few kilometres north west of Kuta, Seminyak is a hip and happening district which has long been the lure of bohemians and jetsetters. This is Bali’s late-night party land, laying claim to the highest concentration of independent fine-dining restaurants and beach clubs on the island, including Ku Dé Ta, Potato Head, Mozaic, Cocoon, La Lucciola, Sarong, Métis and Sardine. Seminyak also boasts a plethora of chic cocktail bars, sumptuous spas and fashionable boutiques.

Seminyak Beach is the place where the local and expat communities gather every evening at sunset. A playground of the rich, the famous and the bon vivants, the vibrant nightlife and luxurious accommodation of Seminyak draws a sophisticated crowd of ‘beautiful people’, especially Europeans.

Nearby sporting facilities include the Canggu Club (of which many holiday villas in the area include guest membership), offering social and leisure amenities, including a state-of-the art gym, a 25m swimming pool and a tennis and squash centre. For horse lovers, three riding stables are located at nearby Canggu – Kuda P, Tarukan, and Bali Equestrian Centre. Nirwana Golf Course – designed by Greg Norman and renowned as one of the best golf courses in Asia – lies about 20km up the coast beside the dramatic, waved-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot. Seminyak is also convenient for all of Bali’s main shops, shopping malls, Waterbom Park, and many tourist attractions.

About Bali
Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist location and is considered one of Asia's premier tropical island destinations. Steeped in history and renowned for its artistic way of life, Bali is a peaceful contrast to some of the more frantic destinations Asia has to offer.

The inner peace and creative talents of the Balinese has attracted artists the world over fascinated by local dancers, silversmiths, wood carvers, potters and painters that seem to pervade throughout the island. The abundant verdant fields and surrounding sea have long supplied Bali with an easy surplus of food leaving time for life’s more artistic past times. As a result everything in Bali has a creative and religious element centred around the local Banjar (residents association) – little, adorned temples are everywhere, doors are covered in intricate carvings, huge kites ward off evil spirits and colourful roadside ceremonies bring traffic to a standstill.

Bali is a popular destination principally from Australia and Asia but also from all over Europe. The island welcomes thousands of visitors each year to a relaxing lifestyle, stunning beaches, world class surf, vibrant villages, and spectacular scenery all with an exquisite tropical climate. Located approximately two hours’ flying time from Singapore the island is serviced by an international airport at Denpasar with direct flights to and from many major cities in Asia, Europe and Australia and many more via Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.

The island offers an impressive range of leisure and lifestyle amenities including world-class golf courses, wonderful seascapes for surfing, diving and snorkelling as well as luxurious spas, chic boutiques, tropical forests, towering volcanoes and international cuisine.

Rooms

Built around two sides of a swimming pool within a small walled garden, Villa Sea presents two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and an integrated living/dining room and kitchen which opens out to the pool. There’s also a sheltered sitting area furnished with a daybed on the timber pool deck; a lovely spot to sit and survey the garden, which features a small lawn and is filled with flowering shrubs and blossoming frangipani trees. Resting upon another small deck on the opposite side of the pool is a circular white wicker sun chair.

The living and dining pavilion features a striking light fixture comprising wave-coloured translucent capiz shell discs strung to form six huge globe-shaped chandeliers. The marine theme is further embraced with the room’s deep turquoise and fresh white painted walls, a large circular shell mirror, turquoise and blue cushions, and some sea-creature sculptures. Furnishings are simple but stylish: an L-shaped white wicker sofa and glass-topped coffee table, and a glass-topped dining table for six adjacent to a neat kitchenette with a marble counter; a two-burner gas hob; fridge and microwave. The living area is equipped with a large flat-screen satellite-channel TV and DVD player.

The two spacious air conditioned bedrooms are both very similar in size, décor and furnishings. Each has a tiled floor and is provided with a king-size bed on a platform in front of a deep turquoise wall. Organza curtains, capiz lanterns, lime washed cabinets, bedside tables and wardrobes complete the furnishings. One of the bedrooms has glass doors that open to the pool deck. Each well-lit ensuite bathroom presents a non-slip floor, a bathtub with overhead as well as hand-held shower fittings, a massive wall mirror and a long marble-topped vanity unit with twin marble wash basins and ocean-coloured mosaic tiled splash-backs.

General Conditions

Discounts are sometimes available for booking long stays (for 10 nights or more). For discounted rates click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates or contact Customer Service.

Standard deposit policy

In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:

-For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.

-For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.

Standard cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.

It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.

Rates

Above prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For approximate rates, please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.

Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current, they are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.

Confirmed booking rates will not change.

Security deposit

Upon arrival at the villa you may be required to pay a security deposit. Any applicable deposit will be returned to you prior to departure less any extra charges or costs for accidental damage to the property.

Check in/out

Check in – 3.00pm, Check out - 10.00am

Late check outs up to 6.00pm may incur a half day charge, after 6.00pm a full day may be charged.

Every effort will be made to accommodate other check in/out times but will depend on availability.

Villa Sea is convenient, compact and charmingly chic. With its own private swimming pool and discreet housekeeping and butler service, this 2-bedroom, self-catering, azure blue sea-themed holiday pad is situated in a small villa enclave at the heart of hip and happening Seminyak, just a short walk from the beach.

This is the (north) western extension of Seminyak, Legian and Kuta beaches. Here you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, surf, swim between the flags in the areas patrolled by lifeguards, or take long seaside walks. It’s not the best beach for swimming due to currents but there’s plenty of space for kids to get the bucket and spade out.

You’ll find a good selection of imported meats and cheeses here along with fresh fruit and veg, wonderful bakery items, store cupboard basics, wines and liquors, and lots more in this popular supermarket.

Long-established, family-run restaurant that is always busy. The building and décor is basic and plain, but the authentic Indian cuisine is first-rate. Extensive à la carte menu features over 200 dishes, combining the tastes of northern and southern India.

The Bistrot is a converted warehouse with an urban-industrial concept, filled with antiques and curios ranging from weighing scales and a box camera to a vintage TV. Serves afternoon teas, drinks and cocktails, and an eclectic menu of home-style food including lobster bisque, fois gras terrine, fresh oysters, Singapore laksa, bouillabaisse, and some great steaks.

European boutique supermarket combined with a coffee shop, bakery and pastry shop, and a delicatessen. Provides high quality imported delicatessen products from Europe, Australia, USA and Asia such as cheeses, meats, vegetables, confectionery, cereals, sauces, wines and other favourite products that are difficult to buy in Indonesia

Beachclub with swimming pool and DJ music provides its guests with a relaxed style of dining during the day and then transforms itself into a fine-dining venue in the evening. Exotic mix of flavours inspired by modern European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Alfresco breakfasts overlooking the ocean are a must, while the grazing menu offers a large range of delectable delights.

This delightful vegetarian eatery prides itself by supporting not only the health of its patrons but also the practice of local traditional farming. Colourful rustic décor and a menu that takes us on a vegetarian journey from Jerusalem to Japan, India and South America.

All day Asian Brasserie serving Fine Noodles, Dumplings, Asian Cocktails and New Zealand Marlborough Wines in the Heart of “Old Seminyak”. The menu offers 12 Different dumplings and noodles prepared in nine distinctive ways. The Dumplings are steamed or flash-fried to a perfect crisp, salads and teasers are served from Noon throughout the evening.

This is a good bistro and deli for provisioning. Snack on paninis, sandwiches and salads for lunch in the café and then savour the evening grill menu of seafood and steaks. Fab coffee and delish cakes.

Kreole Kitchen offers a diverse menu that draws on Mauritian and Australian flavours. Check out the thali plate of curry, dhal, rice, pickles and chutneys, or dig into a shepherd's pie or chunky beef pie. Taste the South-Melbourne-style steamed dim sums and the sausage rolls, or sample a delectable array of traditional Australian and English homemade slices and biscuits.

The iconic Ku Dé Ta is an internationally famous restaurant, beach club and world-class party venue, oozing style and sophistication. By late afternoon the vibe is upbeat with a hip clientele indulging in cocktails, Champagne and oysters, while resident DJs fuse the mood with chill-out sounds.

A classical Japanese restaurant, where authentic cuisine merges with tropical panache. Guests have the choice of dining under cover, surrounded by stylish décor and romantic lighting, or al fresco beside the frangipani trees.

Large and colourful Mexican restaurant promoting good food, good booze and good times. Great for parties, dishes are designed for sharing, the beer is cold, the sangria flows and the cocktails are made with only the freshest fruits, herbs, quality spirits and crystal ice chunks. The cheeky signature margy is a must try, infused with jalapenos for 15 days, it’ll blow your socks off!

This long established restaurant serves superb, authentic Spanish cuisine. Savour tapas or a delicious paella in the garden. There’s wine, sangria and cocktails too. Great for celebrations and birthday parties

Alfresco terrace bar & dance club on two levels with pool tables. Great entertainment with midnight extravaganza sexy show and excellent DJ music. Very popular venue on Friday and Saturday nights, doesn’t get busy until after 11pm.

Large two-storey restaurant with a streetside terrace. All of the authentic Indian dishes here are prepared by Indian chefs. Every palate is considered with an extensive choice of Indian curries, tandoor dishes, biryanis, thalis, breads, check out the Goan prawn curry, and the delicious buttered moong dhal.

This bar can proudly boast to be home to Indonesia's largest champagne collection, with well over a hundred bottles on the menu, ranging from Moet by the glass, all the way up to a $2200 bottle of 2002 Cristal. A generous selection of wines, spirits, and unique cocktails also fill the drink menu. Complimentary canapes are brought around throughout the night, multiple screens show music videos from the 70s, 80s and 90s, and the staff wear cute uniforms.

This two-storey Japanese restaurant is bordered by shady mature trees. The downstairs is air-conditioned with low tables and cushions or chunky wooden tables under large hanging lanterns, while the upstairs is an open mezzanine.

Authentic Italian cuisine in chic surroundings with the choice of al fresco or air-conditioning. Fresh seafood is a speciality, while a blackboard listing the day’s specials brings further variety to an already comprehensive menu. Favourite dishes include ‘octopus carpaccio’ – thin shavings of octopus, marinated in olive oil and lemon juice and served cold with rucola and salad.

Wine is king at SIP. Here, you can find wines from all price categories, from the bargain to the elite. This romantic restaurant and wine bar offers authentic and fabulous French cuisine served in air-conditioned comfort or alfresco on the terrace.

Small and simple restaurant beside the street with a cheerful colourful décor serving superb Californian-style Mexican food, including Balinese fusion dishes such as the Babi Guling Burritos and Babi Guling Tacos. Ingredients are fresh and deliciously spicy, and prices are highly affordable.

Taking gastronomers by storm, Teatro Gastroteque is truly a theatre of flavour. This small, boutique, fine-dining restaurant focuses on highest food quality and taste, serving up a dramatic fusion of Western and Asian fare.

Great and affordable Italian cuisine, just like Mama used to make. Superb thin crust pizzas with fresh ingredients. The delicious fresh pasta is made every day, by hand. Always busy, lively ambience, can get a bit cramped.

This wine boutique stocks over 18,000 bottles. Enjoy a bottle in the open-air lounge, surrounded by a dramatic 20m high bamboo structure or dine in the covered al fresco restaurant. Nibble on delicious goodies from the charcuterie board, munch on a duck croquette, or dive into a hearty lamb shank or mushroom risotto.

Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has 16 water slides (including the Climatx with its 360 degree loop) to entertain the young and the young at heart. A great family day out, but go early to beat the crowds.

Open all day and a good place to ‘do lunch’ or enjoy a snack, a cappucino or an ice cold beer, this Italian owned open-air restaurant is a perfect choice for meeting up with friends, accompanied by a wonderful view of the beach and the coastline stretching out to Uluwatu. You won’t go hungry either, with a choice of sixteen delicious pizzas and a fine selection of pasta, sandwiches, Indonesian food, vegetarian food, meat and fish.

Down by the sea, with beachfront lawns and gorgeous views, this breezy two-storey, open-pavilion-style ‘La Looch’ is perfect for families, serves wonderful brunches, and Mediterranean fused with Asian flavours for lunch and dinner

The best known of the many rustic beach bars located on the sand between Double Six and Gado Gado, offering a choice of chairs and tables or beanbag seating. Very popular, good tapas, very reasonably priced drinks, with live music and DJ events.

Funky, eclectic, visual, vintage, romantic and enormously spacious, this indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant, complete with private retro-themed dining rooms, is filled with curios and has an exquisite decor inspired by the Brazilian ‘favelas. ’ Serves International and Peruvian menus including tapas.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, Cafe Zucchini is a little slice of Bondi Beach and Byron Bay in Bali. Renowned for quality coffee, refreshing juices, and tasty salads and sandwiches in a buzzy environment.

Expect nostalgia wrapped up in the 18th century colonial décor of New Caledonia with louvre doors, crystal chandeliers and Great Aunt Millicent’s old china cabinet. Superb breakfasts and eclectic international cuisine for lunch and dinner.